Grado 325i....need powerful amp?

[mysticaldodo]

I'm gonna get it but from your experiences, does it need a high end amp to sound at least 80% of its max performances (sorry if I phrase it the wrong way)

How long do I need to burn it. I'm going to use it mainly for rock

 

[S_Dedalus]

You can get pleasing sound with a decent amp, but they shine with better amps.

 

[mysticaldodo]

I'm thinking of demoing fresh units of 325i and 225 (not burned) with my Xcan 3 but I think its kinda stupid as my amp needs to warm up for at least 1 hour and the headphones are not even burned yet (arriving on Monday at the shop). They don't have a burned demo set, only for 125. Hmmm....

 

[kramer5150]

I think it depends on how critically you listen to your music. My MS2 (based on the 325) certainly gets plenty loud and is dynamic enough out of my MuVo. But my PA2 adds bass impact, and the sound overall is a little more tight and focused. The difference is subtle but noticeable, and you dont need high quality mp3s to hear the difference... IMHO

Many times when Im out/about I go sans-amp and its good enough when Im not listening critically.

Garrett

 

[EdipisReks]

hey kramer5150, i saw that your AT HA2 is up for sale. what are you planning on upgrading to?

 

[kramer5150]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdipisReks hey kramer5150, i saw that your AT HA2 is up for sale. what are you planning on upgrading to?

I really dont want to sell it... It was my first step into headfi... but I cant see having it sit around when someone else could push their new DT770, or SR225 with it. I bought it shortly after my DT770 so Ive always kind of thought of the two as a matched set.

Im not sure... SR71 maybe? I just bought a CMOY PCB from PinkFloyd, so I'll play around with that a little.

I'll have a better idea after the San Jose meet (bracing for wallet impact)

Im hoping to have pinkfloyds CMOY completely built up by then so I can show it off and we can compare it with others.

Garrett

 

[EdipisReks]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kramer5150 I really dont want to sell it... It was my first step into headfi... but I cant see having it sit around when someone else could push their new DT770, or SR225 with it. I bought it shortly after my DT770 so Ive always kind of thought of the two as a matched set. Im not sure... SR71 maybe? I just bought a CMOY PCB from PinkFloyd, so I'll play around with that a little. I'll have a better idea after the San Jose meet (bracing for wallet impact) Im hoping to have pinkfloyds CMOY completely built up by then so I can show it off and we can compare it with others. Garrett

well, keep us up to date. i'll be interested to see how you mod whatever it is you get

 

[mysticaldodo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kramer5150 I think it depends on how critically you listen to your music. My MS2 (based on the 325) certainly gets plenty loud and is dynamic enough out of my MuVo. But my PA2 adds bass impact, and the sound overall is a little more tight and focused. The difference is subtle but noticeable, and you dont need high quality mp3s to hear the difference... IMHO Many times when Im out/about I go sans-amp and its good enough when Im not listening critically. Garrett

I think you have a point there. Even plugged from the player headphone jack (thats how they demo it to their customers), I should be able to differentiate the key signatures between both. Too bad I can't get my hands on the MSxx.

 

[Jam_Master_J]

Most portable devices push my 325s to good levels but my pimeta helps things out. The pimeta improves bass tightness and dynamic performance.

 

[n_maher]

My experience, based soley on the 225s, is that they sound fine unamped but really open up and rock with a good amp. They pair very well with both my M3 and Millett Hybrid. You don't mention what your budget is so it's a bit hard to say what would work best.

Disclaimer: While I worked with Drew on the recent Millett Hybrid PCB Group Buy I have no financial ties to him or his company. His history on Head-Fi is well documented and I leave it up to the individual to make up their own opinion on it.

That said, I think this amp would be a sweet match for either Grado.

HTH,

Nate

 

[morphie]

I've tried 4-5 amps all in the 400-1000USD range and the best choice for the SR325i imho was the RA-1 clone which I paid 150USD for. Don't put your money into an expensive unit which may not be synergic with your cans. Audition first

 

[kramer5150]

Quote:

Originally Posted by morphie I've tried 4-5 amps all in the 400-1000USD range and the best choice for the SR325i imho was the RA-1 clone which I paid 150USD for. Don't put your money into an expensive unit which may not be synergic with your cans. Audition first

Hey where'd you get the RA1 clone?

Ive seen them on ebay for around $100

I hesitated on bidding, the uncertainty got the best of me. IF its remotely close to the real-deal... then man thats a real bargain.

Did you DIY yours?
thanks
Garret

 

[morphie]

My RA-1 clone is made by MisterX and was sold to me here on head-fi by a previous owner. Works really well with the 325i.